I Quit Being an Idol and Became a Youtuber - Chapter 68

Mid-April.

During a time when the coronavirus was spreading globally, people’s outdoor activities were gradually being restricted.

“Ah, brother.”

Kobayashi Hiro politely greeted the person on the other end of the phone.

In stark contrast to his usual composure, he appeared restrained.

Well, one could understand why.

The person on the other side was an immensely significant figure.

In Japan, among those working in the cultural content industry, there were few who did not know his name.

Takamine Tatsuo.

The head of the global OTT service that generates the highest revenue in the Japanese OTT market.

Netflix.

He was the head of Netflix in the Asia-Pacific region.

[Well, it seems like you’re comfortable these days, I’m glad.]

—But I’m not at all.

At that moment.

The sound of a pen stopping from the phone and a silence prevailed.

[…I’ve heard the news. Yeah, I heard you kicked out one of your idols this time?]

“Uh, brother…”

[I just came back overseas and heard the news a bit late. I saw an internet article just now. So, how about I send a wreath or something?]

Takamine Tatsuo.

He had many connections with Kobayashi in various ways.

They were senior-junior in the same school club, and their professional fields were similar.

But among those connections, the most important link was…

[Speaking of which, my son suddenly asked me to introduce him to a lawyer.]

Ah, I’m in trouble.

In an instant, the mood dropped, and Kobayashi’s face turned pale.

Sure enough, the information had leaked from where he expected.

Takamine Shion.

The professional producer of the girl group Cornelia and the son of Takamine Tatsuo.

Since they had known each other before Ren joined the company, it was clear that their relationship was special.

‘But I never expected Tatsuo to take such an active role.’

To be honest, this development was completely unforeseen.

Isn’t there a fundamental difference between their families?

After all, even his wife did not look favorably upon Ren.

He had expected Tatsuo would just ignore it, knowing the situation…

[Aren’t you listening? You can’t tell because you can’t see my face…]

“Ah, yes. I’m listening.”

Faced with the irritated voice coming from the phone, Kobayashi quickly composed himself.

Someone, please pull me out of this hell.

What did the lawyer just say?

Kobayashi, who had only declared legal measures as a scare tactic, genuinely felt like he was in a life-or-d*ath situation.

He had said that Hikari would intervene, but it seemed that had ultimately failed.

[So, what’s going on? I dug through some Japanese articles for about 30 minutes.]

“Well, that is…”

Despite the trembling voice coming through the line, Tatsuo continued indifferently.

“You’ve been running the company well so far? I almost regret lending you business funds.”

The more he refreshed the site, the more controversies kept popping up to the extent that even Tatsuo gave up looking for them.

There were many issues floating around, but one choice was particularly incomprehensible.

“More than that, you really have no eye for people.”

Who would have thought he would even consider ousting Ren?

Tatsuo suddenly thought of his first encounter with her.

A small girl who added a new color to his completely lifeless eyes.

‘I only saw her once while passing by.’

Separate from his relationship with his son.

The potential he saw in Ren was extraordinary.

It wasn’t just because they were both Japanese.

The nationality of actors or directors had never significantly influenced his evaluations.

It was simply because her caliber was at a high level.

With her uniquely overwhelming presence,

Whether it was acting, singing, or dancing.

She perfectly mastered everything through constant effort; she was the epitome of a perfect hexagonal celebrity.

Given just a small opportunity, she could soon surpass Japan.

She could become a gem that would shine in the global market.

‘Tsk…’

Unable to hide his annoyed expression, Tatsuo suddenly thought of the directive that had come down from headquarters.

There were many contents to consider, but explaining them in detail was a hassle.

To summarize the gist, it was this.

‘With the recent rapid spread of the infectious disease, there’s a plan to ramp up the production of original content that people can easily enjoy at home…’

That was an enormous burden for Tatsuo, who was the head of Asia.

Already, the culture of neighboring Korea had begun to spread globally and gained prominence.

If they released a subpar work, they would undoubtedly receive feedback falling short of audience expectations.

In short, it was an industry that had to be handled with extreme caution.

While he had no particular attachment to his position,

His inherent perfectionist tendencies made him consider every possible outcome.

Even though he was called a head, it would be regrettable if a low-quality piece came out.

For that reason, he wanted the best gem he knew to begin its journey into the world.

But.

This crazy kid.

He had gone and thrown that gem into the middle of the sea!

That gem that would soon be in demand!

Thud—!

For Tatsuo, who understood the reality of the Japanese cultural industry, which had recently failed to show remarkable growth, it was simply maddening.

“Sigh… Anyway, I don’t plan to have a big fight with you.”

Tatsuo, having stabilized his mind with a deep breath, spoke up.

If he could, he would have flown to Japan with an axe in hand and chopped off the head of that clueless junior.

But what could be done about something that had already happened?

It wasn’t like Ren would return, and buying a plane ticket for that purpose would be a waste.

[However, it’s true that I can’t look favorably upon you.]

“······.”

With those words, Kobayashi felt as if he was choking on his breath.

Literally interpreted, it expressed dissatisfaction.

If interpreted a bit more aggressively, it was more of a threat akin to, “I might cut off all job opportunities for your agency’s actors.”

[But don’t worry. I won’t impose any sanctions; that can’t be done either.]

“Hahaha… Yes…”

‘d*mn…’

Of course.

Given Tatsuo’s character, the likelihood of bringing personal matters into the public sphere was significantly low.

He had recently contracted a large number of Hallyu contents, so he was someone who would never ruin his work due to emotions.

But.

In any case, that didn’t matter.

With the recent spread of the infectious disease, society was already unsettled. It would be difficult to give up on the OTT industry.

No, without needing to go that far, Netflix was already a major corporation.

Considering the characteristics of the Japanese broadcasting industry, which found it challenging to advance overseas compared to Korea,

Creators had a strong desire to enter foreign markets through OTT services.

For his vast Netflix, being seen favorably was akin to receiving a spider’s web brought down by Buddha to hell.

Everyone was vying somehow, eager to immerse themselves in that blessing.

Who would want to use an actor that the head of Netflix Asia is unhappy with?

At the very least, if there was anything that might draw eyes toward them, they would avoid it at all costs.

Even if the evaluations of experts from each country were the most crucial, ultimately, all works from Asia would pass through his hands at least once.

Considering the career he had built in the company, if he were to genuinely refuse, it was evident that at least the service posting would be withheld.

Even setting aside all that, how many people wouldn’t be considerate of that person’s feelings?

To say it plainly, he was simply terrifying.

‘d*mn…’

After hanging up, Kobayashi slumped down in his chair.

“Sigh….”

It was just the dismissal of one idol.

What on earth was happening?

His head was throbbing like never before today.

* * *

“So, is that how it got resolved?”

[Oh, it seems my father spoke directly with him. The contract termination seems to be going surprisingly smoothly.]

A long-awaited call with Shion made Ren’s eyes widen.

Though she had expected something would happen, she never thought it would fall apart this quickly.

‘At this rate, it seems like my father has truly lost his composure.’

Isn’t it said that kind people can be frightening when they get angry?

He might have a stern impression, but he was quite cheerful most of the time; how could his personality turn 180 degrees like that?

‘More than that, I didn’t realize he thought of me that way.’

What a loss.

If that were the case, it meant I would have automatically been on a path to global success if I had stayed in the entertainment industry.

If so, I could have met overseas fans more often; it was truly a regrettable matter in many ways.

Well, thanks to that, the president’s embarrassment became amusing.

Wow, to think he would dare to poke at Netflix Asia’s head?

This wasn’t just waking the sleeping T-Rex.

It was as if he had made him go completely berserk and awaken his hidden berserker mode.

At the edge of d*ath, he sacrificed an arm in Cornelia and barely escaped.

Thinking that way made it somehow a bit alluring.

The feeling of regret eased a little.

[But it’s not all over yet.]

“Right, it feels odd for us to just withdraw now.”

For a moment she had forgotten, but the main point of this revelation was related to the agency’s corruption and unfair contracts.

If we just pull out despite our contract termination, what would happen to others involved in that issue?

Even if it didn’t go to lawsuits, Shion and his party would be busy tackling the problems that would follow.

…Thinking back, perhaps I should have just not exposed it from the start and informed my father instead?

‘Hm, no.’

Upon reconsideration, he likely wouldn’t believe me if I said that.

In the end, this had been the best choice given the current situation.

“Well then, where do you plan to go for another agency?”

It might be better for everyone. They would inevitably need an agency to continue their entertainment activities.

In response to my question, Shion replied.

[Well… I don’t really know yet.]

“····Really?”

Hmm, I had expected them to be quite willing to easily terminate the contract and accept them, but it seemed that the rigid Japanese entertainment industry was not open to welcoming the young individuals who had shaken things up.

‘Honestly, with my father’s backing, I feel like I could still manage without an agency…’

I already felt sorry to have made him worry about such issues, but asking for something so far was beyond me.

It was somewhat confidential information.

Especially since Shion was someone who wanted to become self-made without relying on parental backing.

Proceeding in that manner would be an immense disrespect.

If it hadn’t been for the fact that the legal battle wouldn’t have escalated to this point, I don’t think Shion would have involved his father.

Moreover, if they joined that way, wouldn’t they simply be treated as parachute appointments?

Of course, if we went down, it would be more than simply a parachute—it would be a special forces unit.

Well, anyway.

[By the way, Ren, do you really have no intention of returning?]

“Uh?”

[My father said he would welcome your return at any time.]

“····What?”

Ah, this sounds intriguing.

No, the world’s top global OTT company.

The head of Asia personally gave me a love call?

Am I that significant?

Honestly, I still have a hard time believing it.

Well, still….

“Well, I don’t think I can go that route yet.”

Having rolled around in the mud of the entertainment industry, my mental state had become quite depleted.

Without my acquaintances, I might have evolved from dislike to complete hatred.

[Alright, I’ll convey that.]

“Okay, take care. Don’t get sick.”

Oh dear, our prime minister.

Please take proper measures for quarantine, good sir.

After hanging up, I moved my body back to the computer.

Whether it’s a legal battle or a government audit.

They will take care of getting beaten up.

—So, shall I just finish my broadcast today?